Companies Doing Good: TJ MAXX, HOMEGOODS, MARSHALLS

Have you seen TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and Marshalls in the news today? These companies, which fall under TJX Companies (TJX), are continuing to pay their employees in Puerto Rico, even if the stores are closed or if the employees cannot work! It has been seven weeks since Hurricane Maria wreaked devastation on Puerto Rico, with reports that 70% of the island remains without electricity. While the people of Puerto Rico are contending with so much, at least the employees of TJC Companies don’t have to worry about not receiving a paycheck.

The retailer confirmed that workers at all of its 29 Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and HomeGoods stores in Puerto Rico are still receiving paychecks. “We believe it is the right thing for us to do under these circumstances,” TJX spokeswoman Erika Tower said.

A Facebook post written by Iván Meléndez thanking Marshalls for continuing to pay his son even though the store remains closed has gone viral.

“Thank you to all Marshalls stores for such an honorable gesture,” Meléndez wrote in Spanish in a post shared more than 41,000 times. He added that TJX also has supplied employees with food and water during the long ordeal.

TJX Companies is included in many of our socially responsible portfolios due to their implementation of initiatives aimed at reducing their environmental impact and ensuring the sustainability of their supply chain. In portfolios that vet companies using ESG (Environmental, Social Governance) criteria, TJX Companies will score more highly in the “Social” component, by having supported their employees in Puerto Rico during this time of need. These are the types of companies that we like to include in our portfolios.

To support the ongoing relief effort in Puerto Rico, go here for a list of charities that are top rated by Charity Watch that are accepting donations for those affected by Hurricane Maria.